Springtime tends to bring out more two-wheeled transportation all across the Commonwealth. Cyclists and drivers of cars both have responsibilities when it comes to safe travel.
Driver attentiveness, whether on two or four wheels, is always a priority along with sober driving. Bill Bell is the director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. Bell said the proper use of turn signals can be an important aid for a motorcyclist.
“Drivers of vehicles, they need to use their turn signals so the motorcyclists can see if they’re changing lanes,” said Bell.
Bell noted Kentucky law requires motorcyclists to wear goggles. The State’s mandatory helmet law was repealed in the late 90s. For bicyclists, Bell added two to three wide on a rural road can present a safety hazard. Bill Bell said speed is always an issue.
“One question I’ve had is what about the speed? And you think about motorcyclists.. I mean they’re usually traveling at a similar speed to other vehicles. They can be in your blind spot a little bit easier,” said Bell.
Last year, there were 1,575 crashes involving motorcycles in Kentucky. There were 99 deaths and almost 12 hundred injuries. Bicyclists were involved in 344 crashes resulting in 229 injuries and 13 deaths. Just this week, 18-year-old Jillian Pendergrass of Lexington died after hitting a light pole on her motorcycle.
Here are some recommendations by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety:
The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers: • Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users; • Perform a regular visual check by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections; • Use a turn signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic to alert others of your intentions; • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed; • Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles; • Drive sober. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home; • Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death; • Allow at least a three-second following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you; • Do not use designated bike lanes for parking, passing or turning; and • Pass to the left of a bicycle, allowing at least three feet clearance. The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists: • Wear a DOT-compliant helmet; • Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, and combine with hand signals; • Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility; • Position in the lane where most visible to other drivers; • Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic; • Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles; • Ride sober. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time; and • Take a rider training course. Find information at www.ride.ky.gov. The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists: • Wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards; • Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning; • Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility; • Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic; • Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways; • Ride in the same direction as traffic; • Check your equipment before riding. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated; • Never ride impaired. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time. ###
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